Pocket Monsters (2023)

Rising Volt Tacklers seek Area Zero access after defeating Geeta in battle

The Rising Volt Tacklers return to Paldea to continue their search for Lucius' Entei. Liko, Roy, and Dot request permission from Geeta to visit Area Zero. Impressed by their determination, Geeta decides to test their strength in battle. The trio faces adversity when their Pokémon are poisoned by Geeta's Glimmora. However, Liko devises a clever strategy that allows them to defeat Geeta. Following the battle, the Rising Volt Tacklers are granted permission to explore Area Zero. Unbeknownst to them, Coral and Sidian are assigned to monitor their actions.

Rising Volt Tacklers Explore Area Zero Amidst Encounters With Sandy Shocks and Scream Tail

The Rising Volt Tacklers commence their journey into Area Zero, while Sidian and Coral observe them from a distance. Roy spots a Sandy Shocks, mistakenly identifying it as a Magneton with hair, and flees from its aggression. Coral trails Roy but inadvertently provokes a Scream Tail, triggering a chaotic confrontation involving a Great Tusk. Roy and his Crocalor engage the Sandy Shocks in battle, ultimately defeating it. During the ensuing confusion, Coral accidentally captures the Scream Tail, adding an unexpected element to their expedition.

The Rising Volt Tacklers encounter a Paradox Pokémon disguised as Entei.

The Rising Volt Tacklers reach the location where Entei was last spotted and debate if it is one of the Six Heroes. Entei appears, but its form differs from previous encounters. Liko attempts to approach using Lucius' belt, prompting Entei to steal it and initiate a battle. The group discovers the creature is actually a Paradox Pokémon called Gouging Fire rather than the legendary Entei. After winning its approval, Gouging Fire joins their team. Subsequently, Terapagos and the other five heroes summon the Black Rayquaza.

Rising Volt Tacklers defeat Black Rayquaza with Crocalor and Terapagos

The Rising Volt Tacklers engage the Black Rayquaza in battle, facing difficulty landing decisive blows as most of their Pokémon are knocked out. Only Roy's Crocalor remains standing. Terapagos enters the fray in its Terastal Form, inflicting significant damage. Crocalor then Terastalizes and defeats Rayquaza, allowing Roy to capture it using an Ancient Poké Ball. Following this victory, the Six Heroes are reunited. The Rising Volt Tacklers say goodbye to Briar and resume their journey toward Laqua, with Rayquaza guiding their path forward.

Gibeon Ambushes Tacklers While Amethio Uncovers Spinel's Laquium Plans

During an Explorers meeting, Gibeon orders Spinel to ambush the Rising Volt Tacklers at Laqua. Concurrently, Amethio investigates Spinel’s laboratory, uncovering plans involving the Laquium and a Laquium Sphere. Concerned about the power and scarcity of the Laquium, the Rising Volt Tacklers head toward Laqua. Amethio discovers details about Gibeon’s past, including his quest for the resource and connections to Lucius. As tensions rise among the Explorers, Amethio resolves to stop Spinel. Meanwhile, the Rising Volt Tacklers are misled by Rayquaza’s flight, causing them to divert to Pericarp Town instead of reaching Laqua.

Rising Volt Tacklers seek Laqua and Rayquaza in Pericarp Town, uncovering a century-old mystery at Mount Pericarp.

The Rising Volt Tacklers travel to Pericarp Town to locate Laqua and Rayquaza. They encounter Yuha, a local boy who holds Rayquaza responsible for recent incidents. During their exploration, Friede speaks with the town matriarch, who recounts a mysterious explosion at Mount Pericarp one hundred years ago. She notes that Rayquaza was seen fleeing the scene while a man with long hair, identified as Gibeon, appeared. Friede informs the team that Laqua is located at the "place where the land meets the sky" on Mount Pericarp. The group then undertakes a perilous ascent up the mountain, overcoming numerous challenges along the way. They finally arrive at a crater at the summit, which is filled with clouds.

The Pokémon Paradise of Laqua!

The Rising Volt Tacklers explore Mount Pericarp, discovering a lush crater where Pokémon, including Legendary ones, live in harmony. Friede suspects an unknown factor, possibly linked to the Laquium, influences this peace. Liko worries about saying goodbye to Terapagos but finds comfort in her friends. The group uncovers a hidden barrier powered by Terastal energy, which Terapagos removes. Friede plans further investigation but is confronted by Spinel. Meanwhile, Liko, Roy, and Dot face Coral, Sidian, and Chalce.

Rising Volt Tacklers and Explorers clash as Laquium awakens Terapagos

Gibeon travels toward the Laquium to realize his wish. The Explorers confront the Rising Volt Tacklers, revealing they have monitored Laqua since the start and required assistance to remove the barrier preventing access. Tensions escalate into battles between the groups. Friede and Spinel engage in a double battle, with Captain Pikachu and Charizard facing Spinel's Umbreon and Beheeyem. Simultaneously, Coral's team confronts Liko and her companions. The Rising Volt Tacklers win both encounters. Following the conflicts, the Laquium ascends into the sky, summoning Terapagos.

Gibeon excavates Laquium crystals with Zygarde while Lucius returns to warn of ecological dangers.

Gibeon reaches the Laquium site accompanied by his 10% Forme White Zygarde to excavate crystals. Zygarde shifts into its 50% Forme as Gibeon continues despite physical constraints. Amethio attempts to halt this process, questioning the ethics of Laquium. Following the arrival of the Rising Volt Tacklers and Spinel, Lucius emerges from a crystal, revived after a century. He warns that Laquium threatens Pokémon and ecosystems, noting Zygarde’s prior monitoring. Gibeon argues for Laquium’s greater good, but Lucius and the Rising Volt Tacklers oppose him. When the Laquium Core activates, Lucius predicts a global disaster. Amethio and the Rising Volt Tacklers unite to stop Gibeon in a final confrontation.

Liko's Meowscarada Evolves to Defeat White Zygarde on Laqua

On Laqua, the Explorers strive to activate the Laquium Core while Liko and her companions confront Gibeon and his White Zygarde. Although Zygarde initially overpowers their attacks, Liko's Floragato evolves into Meowscarada through their strengthening bond. Utilizing the newly acquired Flower Trick, Meowscarada defeats Zygarde, causing it to revert to cells and abandon Gibeon. The stubborn Gibeon fails to comprehend the strength of trainer-Pokémon connections, which ultimately secure victory. Following this battle, Terapagos Terastallizes into its Stellar Form and joins the Six Heroes, sharing its energy as they ascend into the sky together.

Spinel Seizes Control as Liko Reflects One Year After Laqua's Collapse

Pagogo adopts its Stellar Form to purify Laqua, allowing the Six Heroes to depart. Gibeon passes his legacy to Amethio before he and Lucius vanish. Spinel then releases Laquium mist, driving the heroes mad and declaring Explorer dominance. The Rising Volt Tacklers flee with Black Rayquaza's aid, but Liko loses Lucius's items, and Friede and Charizard fall from the Brave Olivine. One year later, Liko remembers the past while Spinel, now Exceed's director, blames the Tacklers for the disaster. Roy, possessing a shiny Lucario and Mega Ring, begins searching for someone significant.

Roy Pursues Black Rayquaza While Liko Returns to Indigo Academy

More than a year after previous events, Roy continues his search for the Black Rayquaza. Dot contacts him to report that the Laquium has not fully vanished. Roy encounters a strangely behaving Slaking but is interrupted by a boy named Ult, who claims the Black Rayquaza for himself. Ult’s Sableye provokes the Slaking, leading to a battle where the Slaking is defeated. That night, Roy leaves Ult behind. Meanwhile, Liko is at Indigo Academy and speaks with her friend Ann. The next day, while on a rooftop, Liko hears a noise and looks up to see Roy and Cap arriving.

Liko and Roy seek the Explorers' truth while Spinel captures the Six Heroes.

Liko and Roy discuss the Laqua incident with Ann, confirming the Rising Volt Tacklers disbanded after losing a member. Ann proposes a battle to lift their spirits. Roy defeats Ann's Samurott and challenges Liko, whose Meowscarada loses. Students approach Roy about his group affiliation; he does not deny it, leading them to Liko, who proudly confirms her membership. Later, Liko meets Roy at a bus stop, and they team up to investigate the Explorers. Meanwhile, Spinel has captured the Six Heroes, excluding the Black Rayquaza.

Ult follows Roy and Liko to find Laquium while battling Steelix and meeting Pagogo.

Ult spots Roy and Liko at a train station and contacts Dot for Laquium coordinates. He trails them into a hole where he encounters an aggressive Steelix. Liko and Roy battle the Pokémon, but a second Steelix appears, causing the two to fight each other before targeting Liko. Pagogo emerges from its Poké Ball to save her, delighting Liko. Hattrem uses Heal Pulse to calm the situation, allowing Roy to introduce Ult to Liko. Meanwhile, Hamber assigns Zirc and Onia a mission to locate Gibeon's White Zygarde using the Zygarde Cube. This sequence highlights the group's dynamic and the ongoing search for the elusive Pokémon amidst unexpected conflicts.

The group meets a Nidothing fan in Teacup Town who refuses to help after learning Roy's past.

The trio arrives in Teacup Town and encounters Litten Smitten, an enthusiastic admirer of Nidothing. When Roy inadvertently discloses his history with the Rising Volt Tacklers, Litten Smitten declines to assist them in locating the final sighting of the Black Rayquaza. She subsequently challenges Liko to a battle using her Incineroar. During the confrontation, Ult intervenes after fleeing from a group of Dodrio and a pack of Fearow. He pacifies the wild Pokémon by singing a song. Witnessing Liko and Roy’s restraint toward the Fearow, Litten Smitten realizes the Rising Volt Tacklers are benevolent. She confesses she has not seen the Black Rayquaza and merely seeks Nidothing’s attention, disappointing the group. Nidothing comprehends her feelings, and the journey proceeds.

Mollie assists injured Pokémon while Liko and Roy investigate the forest incident.

At a Pokémon Center, Mollie, now working as a nurse, notices a group of injured Pokémon in the forest and rushes to aid them. Liko and Roy, having overheard details about the forest incident, decide to investigate personally. They encounter Mollie and engage in conversation. A flashback reveals that after the team discussed their futures and accepted their path forward, the Rising Volt Tacklers disbanded. Upon returning to the forest, they find more poisoned Pokémon and identify a Vileplume affected by Laquium. After battling the Vileplume, Hattrem learns Healing Wish to calm it. Finally, Cap spots a facility belonging to Exceed.

Liko and Roy encounter Ult and a Strong Sphere battle before exploring a cave with Pagogo

Liko and Roy arrive at a location and spot Ult exiting a bus. After avoiding a security guard, they enter a building where they witness a former student named Dash defeating an Exceed employee using a Swanna and a Strong Sphere. Coral and Sidian then appear on the battlefield. Sidian recognizes Liko and Roy and invites them to join the fight. The pair is quickly overpowered and defeated by Coral and Sidian. Ult intervenes, breaks the Strong Sphere he had previously taken, and escapes with Liko and Roy. Later, Pagogo senses something coming from a cave, leading the trio to decide to explore it.

Liko, Roy, and Ult encounter Team Dragon Rampage and Team Wriggle during their journey.

Liko, Roy, and Ult notice Pagogo focusing on a mountain and decide to camp for the night. A traveler warns them about Team Dragon Rampage, whom they soon meet riding Cyclizar. Mistaking Roy for a Team Wriggle member, the trio engages in a battle before the riders depart. Later, the group witnesses a Team Wriggle member stealing Dratini eggs. They defeat this member to rescue the eggs. The gang shows the group the Black Rayquaza, but Ult remains unimpressed. Meanwhile, Dot receives a phone call from Iono.

Dot investigates a prankster in Levincia who uses a Strong Sphere to scare Pokémon.

Dot receives a call from Iono and travels to Levincia to investigate a prankster scaring Pokémon. She discovers a Stunfisk enhanced by a Strong Sphere, used by a trainer named Stunner Fisk to create viral videos. Dot battles him, during which her Tinkatuff learns Metal Claw and Terastallizes into a Steel type. After winning, Dot convinces Stunner Fisk to stop using the Strong Sphere, and she heads to Cortondo to rejoin Liko and Roy.

The Rising Volt Tacklers reunite in Cortondo as Liko faces Gym Leader Katy

Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ult reach Cortondo to reunite with Murdock and announce the reformation of the Rising Volt Tacklers. They also discuss their investigation into Laquium, a topic that visibly disturbs Murdock. While staying in the town, Gym Leader Katy issues a challenge to Liko, initiating a Pokémon battle. This confrontation takes place within Cortondo, establishing a significant encounter between the trainer and the local Gym Leader amidst the group's return and ongoing inquiries.

The group visits Orla in Galar seeking an airship but finds the Brave Olivine intact in a forest.

Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ult journey to Galar to meet Orla at Karna's Poke Ball factory, hoping she will construct an airship for them. Orla declines their request, advising them to seek assistance elsewhere. Feeling disheartened and uncertain about their next steps, the group continues their travels. Suddenly, Cap detects something within a nearby forest, prompting the others to rush toward the location. Upon arrival, they discover that the Brave Olivine airship, which they believed had been dismantled, remains fully intact and is waiting for them. This unexpected find provides a new direction for their journey after their initial request was denied.

Rising Volt Tacklers Battle and Olivine's Return

Indi and Rubina challenge the group with Paldean Tauros but are defeated, leaving without the Strong Spheres. Orla requests three days to ensure Brave Olivine is in good condition, and the group agrees to help with cleanup duties. Later, Dot receives a mysterious voice message that surprises everyone upon revealing Friede's voice. Following this revelation, the team celebrates Ult's official joining. The group then prepares for the first flight of Brave Olivine in over a year, marking a significant milestone for their journey together.

A Clash Between Terastallization and Mega Evolution Features Roy and Nemona

Liko, Roy, Dot, and Ult arrive at Naranja Academy to discuss reports of Laquium. Following this discussion, Nemona issues a challenge to Roy for a double battle. During the intense match, Roy triggers the evolution of his Lucario into Mega Lucario. Simultaneously, Nemona utilizes terastallization on her Pawmot. The battle culminates with Mega Lucario overpowering the terastallized Pawmot, securing a victory for Roy.

A knight is encountered within the ruins